Chapter 38: Xie De's Declaration and Xi Feng's First Encounter
It was expected, Wen Wan's small gathering turned out to be more than a small gathering. Her estate had a private gathering spot out in the flower fields. The private space was hidden inside bamboo crisscrossed fences, closing in on all four sides. Flower vines of luscious green were planted, over the years; it weaved itself into the fence, making it look like a magnificent square maze. Each corner was replaced with a huge phoenix marble statue. Hand carved tables and benches were placed inside, on all four of the sides, leaving the center opened.
Da Ying walked up to the entrance where it was protected by two guards. The only way to enter inside was through this one door. She stood there in a simple blue tunic, hair in a simple bun adorned with a blue butterfly hairpin. The two guards opened the door, Ban Shiang and Bai Zhi wanted to follow behind but was stopped. "Wen Wan gongzhu has requested, only the guest is to enter," Bai Zhi was about to say something when Da Ying stopped her. "Go rest, I will be fine," Both Ban Shiang and Bai Zhi didn't retort for they knew their Xiaojie was strong enough to protect herself.
Da Ying was surprised, not many of her peers had arrived yet. At most, only fifteen people had arrived. Even if there were only fifteen people, they all had gathered in a small circle, chatting and laughing. Most of the people who had shown up early were ladies that were eager to please Wen Wan. Lui Yi happened to be one of the people there. She was one of those very eager ladies trying to please Wen Wan. Lui Yi was standing the closest to Wen Wan, who wore a very elegant but complicated red dress.
She didn't care, all she cared about was one thing. If Lui Yi was here, that meant that Lui Xi Feng was also here. He was not in the crowd, her eyes scanned the room to find him. A small sigh escaped her mouth, of all places, why did the man she was looking for have to be next to the man she didn't want to see.
In the far right corner, the only two men to arrive early were having a friendly conversation. One of them was Lui Xi Feng, clad in a dull gray robe. No matter how dull the color, it didn't take away from his youthful looks. But the man next to him...Da Ying did not want to even think about him, Qin Xie De. Her head was speaking one thing but her body could not deny his presence. Her eyes were glued on him. She wondered when he became so charming. Even though he was only dressed in a casual white outfit, Da Ying found him very pleasing to the eye. The instant she caught herself, she looked away, scolding herself. She actually let herself get confused for a moment. How was she supposed to even approach Xi Feng now?
Wen Wan had been anticipating Da Ying's arrival. The moment she spotted her, a sinister smile formed. "Jie jie," she yelled out, walking towards Da Ying. Lui Xi Feng and Qin Xie De also looked up simultaneously. Her eyes met Xie De's. Da Ying didn't know why but she looked away the moment their eyes made contact. She always knew how confident she was but when faced with Xie De, all her confidence vanished. Xie De on the other hand could not keep his eyes off her. Yes, he was hurt but it was only temporary for now. He didn't believe he couldn't woo her.
For the first time since entering, Da Ying came back to her senses the moment Wen Wan walked over. In the back, Lui Yi and many of the girls were giving her nasty looks.
The minute Wen Wan reached Da Ying, she wrapped her hand around Da Ying's. "Jie jie, I've been waiting for you, why don't you join us for some fun chats," she didn't wait for Da Ying to reply, as she dragged her over there.
It was no surprise, as soon as Da Ying arrived; the group of girls separated and sat down disheartened. It was clearly an act of hate. Wen Wan secretly glanced to see the very "hurt" look on Da Ying's face. "Jie jie, ignore them. It's just that they aren't comfortable around new people yet. Come; let me introduce you to them." One by one, Wen Wan introduced Da Ying to the girls. Each of the girls that came in contact with Da Ying halfheartedly bowed to her and then ignored her. Liu Yi was the worst, she barely did a bow. If anyone else dared do that, they would be scolded by Wen Wan but because Lui Yi was her crush's sister, she dared not. After all, in the future, Liu Yi would be her sister in law.
"Come sit with me," Wen Wan sweetly asked.
"I'd rather sit in the back. I'm still not used to this lifestyle,"
"Suit yourself," Wen Wan let go of her arm and turned back, taking the very center seat. Da Ying also took a seat, the furthest seat, next to the door. She continued to play the weak and timid princess, sitting alone at the table awkwardly.
Even as more people entered, they greeted her and then immediately flocked over to Wen Wan. No one dared to associate themselves with her.
No matter how hard Da Ying tried to avoid Xie De, she could feel his eyes staring at her. The uncomfortable feeling in her heart never left. She wanted to look his direction too but dared not, afraid that one look would stray her away from her goals.
She was right, even though Xie De was having a conversation with Xi Feng, his eyes kept looking her direction. It didn't take long for Xi Feng to notice how distracted the Duke of Lan was being. He followed the direction Xie De was looking. To his surprise, it was the beautiful yet timid Da Ying gongzhu. He let out a silent gasp, so this was who Xie De liked. There was no reason to keep him away from his lover. "Why don't you go talk to her," Xi Feng lifted his chin slightly, pointing toward Da Ying. Xie De let out an awkward laughter like a kid being caught doing something bad. "You saw it?"
"Hahaha, how could I not notice? You have been acting strange the moment she entered," he teased.
"Excuse me then," Xi Feng was right, Xie De had been preoccupied throughout the whole conversation. He was debating in his mind, whether to talk to her or not.
He was coming towards her. For the first time in her life, Da Ying didn't know what to do. This was unlike her, when did she ever feel intimidated. If she ran away, it would be as if she was admitting her feelings to him. No matter how much she wanted to hide, she couldn't. He was here. "Greetings to Da Ying gongzhu," he greeted her.
"Duke of Lan," she returned the formality.
"Are you enjoying the food?" the atmosphere between them was truly too awkward. He didn't know what to say to her too.
"It's good," her answer was just as short and awkward as his question.
"Da Ying, I…I meant everything I said last night. Won't you give me a chance?" his voice was soft enough for her ears only. He felt it was pointless to avoid the topic. "Duke of Lan, you should also know that the answer I gave you was also my final,"
"I don't believe that you don't like me in return," if there weren't so many people , he wasn't sure what he would do to Da Ying. Hold her arms and try to shake some sense into her or pull her in for a kiss.
"I don't,"
"Fine, I'll believe you but I want to let you know one thing..." she arched her brow up, full of curiosity. "I'm going to woo you no matter if you want it or not,"
"Save it," Da Ying quickly stood up, ready to leave.
"Where are you going?"
"To get some fresh air, if you follow me, I promise I will never speak to you ever again," she threatened him. When she was sure he wasn't going to follow her, she stepped outside.
Da Ying took a stroll to get her mind off of Xie De. She came to a stop where four paths crossed. Da Ying knew this place well enough to know that the west path would take her to a beautiful pond. That was the path she chose.
A while later, the gathering started and Da Ying was nowhere to be found. Wen Wan sat in her chair irritated. This whole gathering was planned just to embarrass Da Ying, what use was it now that she wasn't here. "Go find Da Ying," Wen Wan finally commanded Ju Yu and Yin'er a half hour after the gathering started.
Leaning on a willow tree was a sleeping Da Ying. *Crack* Da Ying immediately opened her eyes. Her body's first reaction was to grab for her needles. Her hand only loosened its grip after she caught a glimpse of the person. Standing a close distance from her was Lui Xi Feng. Da Ying didn't believe it, how could he be here when he was supposed to be at the gathering? The last thing she remembered was her trying to get Xie De's image out of her head and then she dozed off. But now, Lui Xi Feng appeared in front of her? Did it make sense? What was even more bizarre was that he smiled at her.
She watched as he took quick strides over to her. "I didn't mean to startle you, Da Ying gongzhu. I didn't know you were also here," he laughed awkwardly. "I came here to get some fresh air; I really didn't know you were under the willow tree. I tried to leave silently, who knew I would step on a branch," he once again let out an awkward laughter.
This was a heavenly opportunity for her, Da Ying did not want to waste this moment. She needed to befriend this man as soon as possible. She slowly stood up and walked over to him. "Young Master Lui is also here to get some fresh air? It must be fate to meet on the same path," she spoke with the sweetest voice she could find in her body. She had already made an assessment on him. If Wen Wan was the type of girl he liked, she would need to fit the image of an innocent and sweet yet considerate woman.
"It looks like we are of the same," he placed his hands behind his back, turned around and faced the waters. Da Ying did the same, looking at the far distance, admiring its beauty. "I also don't like crowded places, if it wasn't for my little sister wanting to come…chances are, I wouldn't be here,"
"Lui Yi must be lucky to have an older brother like you, someone to protect her," When he heard her speak these words, he chuckled. "Lui Yi is a very stubborn and spoiled child, I don't know if it is my fortune or misfortune thought," he joked. Da Ying let out a small giggle. "Imagine her hearing you speak these words about her, just picture what she would do to you," Da Ying lightly replied back.
"I would have two black eyes and a sore body for days," this made them both laugh. They exchanged a few more light hearted words. Da Ying didn't realize how easy it was to talk to Xi Feng. She has always seen him from a far, walking with the most stern look on his face. Never in a million years would she picture him to be this pleasant. "Who knew Da Ying gongzhu had such a bright personality. It's no wonder the Duke of Lan likes you," It got awkward on both ends. Judging from Da Ying's expression, he thought she didn't know. He just let out a secret. The atmosphere stayed silent for a few minutes. This gave them time to assess each other.
Thinking back to a few moments ago, the moment she opened her eyes to see him, she had not been prepared. Her mind was stuck on, "what was she supposed to say?" If it wasn't for him leading the conversation, she wouldn't know how to answer. If she knew this was him, she would not have been worried. Xi Feng was also thinking along the same line as her. This was the first time he had a conversation with Da Ying. At first, he wanted to break all the little bones in the branch he stepped on but now…he was thankful for it. If this encounter never happened, he would never have realized how easy it was to speak to Da Ying. Not to mention, she had quite a sense of humor.
The conversation somehow went from Lui Yi to horse riding, ending on travels after their little awkward silence. Da Ying let out a soft sigh, "The world is so vast, do you ever wonder if there is more to life than this?" Xi Feng didn't get a chance to answer her when Ju Yu and Yin'er found them. "Da Ying gongzhu, Young master Lui, Wen Wan gongzhu is looking for you," Da Ying and Xi Feng exchanged looks. They had actually forgotten all about the gathering, not that any of them really cared.
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